Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from History of the People of the Netherlands, Vol. 3
HE period of the Eighty Years' War takes a peculiarly interesting place in the history of the Netherland people; not only because, under the in?uence of the diffi cult circumstances in which the population of the Nether land provinces were then placed, the foundations were laid for a new state destined to appear on the world's stage as the equal of the great European powers, but also because, during the period of transition, the dominant traits of the Netherland national character became clear. It will appear in the following pages how good and evil alternated in the war, how, under the direction of the three great Orange princes, well aided by distinguished generals - their own kinsmen and Netherlanders - and by skilful statesmen, among whom John of Oldenbarne velt is preeminent, independence was first won from Spain; how in the midst of great dangers the political condition of Europe again and again lamed the power of the doughty foe; how, when the Truce was concluded, the enemy took the decisive steps on the path which necessarily led to the complete freedom of the Seven Pro vinces; how commerce and manufacture, not only in spite of, but actually because of, the war, developed vigorously; how the theological opinions of the majority took a de finite direction; how political institutions were crystal lised into form; how art and science enjoyed a period of bloom at the close of hostilities, when security and pros perity created favourable conditions. Thus the period of.
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